General Surgery Coding Alert
Find HHS-Approved Communication Products for Telehealth
Question: How can I find out which telecommunication products are allowed for telehealth visits? California Subscriber Answer: The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) recently issued a notice outlining which video chat applications are, and are not, suitable for telehealth visits. HHS outlines the following well-known applications that providers may use to interact with patients: HHS also elaborates on communication products that “are HIPAA compliant and will enter into HIPAA business associate agreements (BAAs) in connection with the provision of their video communication products.” Some of these products include: Note: Some of the non-HIPAA compliant applications are only temporarily permitted for use during the extent of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). You can read more about HHS remote communication rules at www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/notification-enforcement-discretion-telehealth/index.html.
General Surgery Coding Alert
- COVID-19 PHE:
Master Billing Alternatives for Non-Video Patient Contact
Learn CMS expanded coverage during pandemic. If healthcare providers from your general surgery practice use [...] - Removal:
Master Debridement Coding with 4 Tips
Watch for bundling issues. So many surgical cases involve debridement of damaged tissue, and so [...] - Coverage Update:
Look for More CMS Regulatory Relief During COVID-19 Pandemic
Don’t miss changes beyond telehealth. The continued onslaught of policy revisions may provide a break [...] - Reader Questions:
Focus Comprehensive History Requirements
Question: I have a surgeon’s note for an office visit that includes a chief complaint, [...] - Reader Questions:
Learn Modifier CS Rules
Question: When should we use modifier CS as it relates to COVID-19? Codify Subscriber Answer: [...] - Reader Questions:
Modifiers Save E/M, Aspiration Encounter
Question: An established patient reports with right knee and thigh pain. During an E/M service, [...] - Reader Questions:
Find HHS-Approved Communication Products for Telehealth
Question: How can I find out which telecommunication products are allowed for telehealth visits? California [...]
